Governance of Natural Resources

Natural resources are crucial for a nation’s development, providing essential inputs such as fossil fuels for energy and minerals for industrial growth. However, with the increasing population, these resources are becoming scarce, underscoring the need for their conservation. Degradation of natural resources can exacerbate the vulnerability of rural households, highlighting the importance of sustainable management to alleviate pressures on these resources.

This book focuses on Natural Resource Management (NRM), which emphasizes the relationship between people and natural landscapes. It integrates land use planning, water management, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable future of various industries, including agriculture, mining, tourism, fisheries, and forestry. Effective governance is essential for ensuring that habitats contribute to human well-being while promoting long-term sustainability.

Organized into seven units, the book begins with an introduction to natural resource bases and progresses to the frameworks and challenges of governance. It covers legal and political environments, local utilization, and the role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) in the livelihoods of rural and urban households. By understanding these dynamics, readers will be equipped to develop sustainable resource management strategies that preserve nature for future generations.